"People with disabilities are God's best visual aids to demonstrate who He really is. His power shows up best in weakness. And who by the world's standards is weaker than the mentally or physically disabled? As the world watches, these people persevere. They live, trust, and obey Him. Eventually the world is forced to say, 'How great their God must be to inspire this kind of loyalty.'" Joni Eareckson Tada (quadriplegic due to diving accident)
These were recently sent to me from one of the support groups we've joined...
- "Mothers of Disabled Children Are Chosen Carefully" by Erma Bombeck -(I would like to think this applies to all of us who will be involved in the process of raising our child - not just the mother.) The last line is weird but I really appreciate the second to last paragraph. I think it strikes a nerve because it addresses one of my fears- that in parenting this child we will be exposed to more cruelty & ignorance that I would like. I kind of like my sheltered world. But I'm thankful I know the God who can stand beside me & wipe my tears when we are dealing with cruelty & ignorance. And I absolutely can't wait to be present at a miracle - not just the birth but the first step, the first time my baby crawls, drinking out of a sippy cup for the first time, feeding themself for the first time, holding my hand or their daddy's hand, etc! We take so many of these things for granted & as ordinary. For me, they've all been big fears this summer- "how will they do...?" What a great reminder that not only will my child do all these things - in an ordinary way- but we will be present at miracles to observe them! http://www.huskycolors.com/moms.html
- "Value of Life" is about a little boy who wants to buy a puppy. Reagan recently went for a stroll down memory lane & recalled his favorite dog ever - a chocolate lab who was lame... & who got lots of attention from the fly fishermen! He mentioned that if I could ever find him a similar dog, he wants it. So, if you ever hear of a lame chocolate lab, please let me know! (Like all we need is another animal! :) )http://www.eslonline.net/readings/boyandpup.PDF
2 thoughts:
Dear Katie & Reagan,
I am Laura's (Ryan) Mom and you met me at their wedding. I am eternally greatful for your Mom and Dad, Katie, for their emense help and have often thought of them.
I have been following your blog with great interest as I have a little granddaughter with a difference. Her condition is also very rare (about 1 in 2,000,000) and she has only met one other person just like her). When I first heard that she would have a difference, I invisioned a baby who could never walk, sit and crawl, but she does it all. Since she cannot be fitted with prosthetics, the doctors at the Shrine hospital said to just treat her as you would a child with regular legs. She is a miracle--not only walks and runs but has figured out how to ride a tryke. She will be in soccer this fall. Sometimes other kids will call her names or make comments, but so far she has dealt with it without it affecting her too much. She generally ignores rude comments, or explains that she was born without "feburs." She starts kindergarten this fall, and we are full of confidence that she will do just fine.
We thank God every day that he chose our family for Maya, and we couldn't imagine her with "big" legs. She has been a joy and inspiration to all that know her.
I have rattled on and on, but I know that your baby will inspire you with the same emotions. God makes no mistakes, just differences. I always remember a boy I knew when I was growing up. No part of his body was unaffected by differences, and when another child asked him why he looked that way he answered "Because God made me this way, but look what I can do!!" and he started to do amazing things with his hand with a thumb only and his hand with a finger and thumb. He works for a major company now, and is one of their premier employees. He has done nothing to alter the way God made him, but with his personality and brains one would not notice his differences.
Good luck with your baby--I can hardly wait--and give your Mom and Dad a big hug from me when you see them.
Katie & Reagan, Oh my gosh Will is beautiful, adorable. These are the first pic's I've seen of him. You are constantly in my thoughts and I'm so proud of you and I look forward to talking with you when things settle down and you get home which I believe will be very soon. I love you, Aunt Lili
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